The correct Answer is A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
Explanation
This question requires matching specific rock art depictions or animal figures with their respective archaeological sites or cultural periods in ancient India. The identification of these artistic representations is crucial for understanding the cultural practices and artistic expressions of prehistoric and protohistoric communities.
Statement-wise Analysis
- A. Fox - 4. Lakhudiyar:
- Correct. The rock shelters at Lakhudiyar (meaning 'one lakh caves') in Uttarakhand are known for their prehistoric rock paintings. These paintings include depictions of humans, animals, and geometric patterns. Among the animal figures, foxes are specifically mentioned as being depicted at Lakhudiyar.
- B. Bison (Hunting scene) - 1. Bhimbetka:
- Correct. The Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for their extensive rock paintings spanning the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Chalcolithic periods. Hunting scenes, particularly those involving bison, are prominent features of the Mesolithic period paintings at Bhimbetka, depicting communal hunting strategies.
- C. Sambhar - 3. Upper Palaeolithic:
- Correct. The Upper Palaeolithic period in India saw the emergence of the earliest rock paintings. These paintings often depict large animal figures. While specific sites are associated with different animals, the depiction of animals like sambhar (deer) is characteristic of the Upper Palaeolithic rock art, often rendered in linear representations.
- D. Tiger (Huge figure) - 2. South Indian Neolithic:
- Correct. Neolithic sites in South India, such as those in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, have yielded rock art. These paintings often depict animals, including large figures of tigers, which were significant in the local fauna and likely held cultural importance for the Neolithic communities.
Key Takeaway
Specific animal depictions and hunting scenes in prehistoric rock art are characteristic features of particular archaeological sites and cultural periods in India, such as foxes at Lakhudiyar, bison hunting at Bhimbetka, sambhar in the Upper Palaeolithic, and huge tiger figures in South Indian Neolithic art.